First of all, let me say this: *I am not a fan of typical *long-tone*
practice*

That said, let me explain:

Merely playing one note until your breath is exhausted is not going
to do you any good at all...It's important to recognize
that, if THAT is your concept of playing long tones, you'd be better
off practicing on extended lip flexibilities!

Instead, try the following:

Instead of playing simple one note, try playing a simple chorale tune
or hymn at about quarter note equals 40! This enables your ability
to play lengthily, but also develops your articulation(legato) and
your releases(tenuto to the max!)...You should also work on your dynamics
while so doing, using different dynamic levels(from ppp to fff), and also
using crescendos and decrescendos as you play the piece...

This also enhances your awareness of inner phrases and makes you aware,
not just of tone quality, but also of pitch constancy...

Perhaps part of the reason I'm against the traditional approach to long-tones
is that I'm a card-carrying member of the *REALITY* school of trumpet playing....

You're seldom going to play a piece of music that requires you to play
one note for 2 and a half minutes straight!

Donning my flame suit, now!<G>

John Daniel wrote:>> The main reason to practice long tones is to work on our sound
and to learn> how to play. As far as conditioning goes, it is possible
to do too much,> so use common sense, the lip isn't the strongest muscle in the
body. Most> everyone can benefit from practicing long tones.> John Daniel>> Scott E. wrote:> >> >"don't do a lot of long tones it tears down the muscles around
the lips."> >> >I'm way out of my league here, but I've never been told this
before. Are> >there any confirming or contrary views from the rest of the list?